Launched by the United Nations in 2007, it’s one of just seven health-focused days they spotlight (UN, 2024). It’s about rights, inclusion, and turning awareness into action. You might have noticed the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, landmarks glowing blue to say, “We see you” (Autism Speaks, 2025). This year’s theme, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” links autism to broader goals (UN, 2025) like education, employment and dignity for all. It’s not just talk; it’s about making space for autistic individuals to flourish.

Studies say that 15-20% of teens have self-harmed at some point. That could mean 4 or 5 out of a classroom full of 25 kids. (Ma et al., 2023). For that we have Self-Harm Awareness Month to talk about why it’s important to have this conversation, what’s behind it and what can we do to make a difference.

The modern political climate is more than just a governance issue, it is a mental health crisis. No matter which country they’re a citizen of, people worldwide are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion due to the relentless cycle of political instability, misinformation, and systemic failures. Regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or ideology, people feel the weight of a system that seems increasingly indifferent to their well-being.

What is fear of missing out? I always associated that term with the bubbling feeling inside my chest when I started feeling that everyone BUT me was out there having the time of their lives. In the middle of the night, scrolling through Instagram, the feelings of being “the only one left out” creeps in my mind and my body. “Fear of missing out” or in other terms FOMO is a relatively new term that was first introduced in 2004. It is used to describe a phenomenon related to social networking sites usage.

We all see those picture-perfect holiday moments on social media—the sparkling lights, the perfect meals, the beaming families. It’s easy to feel like you should be doing more, that your holiday should look like that too. But here’s the truth: chasing perfection is exhausting and—to be honest—unnecessary. When I think about it, does anyone actually remember the teeny tiny details of a perfectly set table, or do they remember the laughter and connection? Imperfection is part of what makes the moments we have memorable. Sometimes, the burnt cookies or the slightly crooked tree end up being the most cherished stories

At FRANK BERLIN, we’re all about creating spaces where honest conversations about mental health can thrive. Sharing stories is such a powerful way to connect and break down stigmas. That’s why we’re excited to share this interview with Elena Solonnikov, a poet and writer with a knack for turning her thoughts and experiences into something deeply relatable and meaningful.

Uncertainty can feel overwhelming, leaving us questioning the future and doubting ourselves. A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that uncertainty triggers stress responses in the brain similar to physical threats, making us crave control and stability. But life doesn’t come with a manual, and often, our plans are subject to forces beyond our control.

Winter follows and for some of us, the change of seasons triggers a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to Hopkins Medicine website, “It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.” SAD may be a hindrance in our daily lives and alters the way we think and feel.

Throughout our lives we go through different changes and emotions, consequently, some of these situations cause us to overthink. It’s as if our minds are overflowing with noise and these thoughts look for a way out, a way to spill over. We may end up desperately looking for peace of mind. There are many solutions for this common problem but for many people, the solution is: writing.

These days, many influencers, content creators and artists openly discuss mental health and well-being on their platforms. But the big question is: Can these online spaces actually help prevent something as serious as suicide? Suicide is a significant global health issue, with over 700.000 lives lost every year, according to the World Health Organization. Each of these tragedies has a ripple effect, impacting families, friends, and entire communities.

When I look back at how society viewed mental health in the 1900s, I realize just how much things have changed. Back then, psychology and therapy were seen as something to be ashamed of, with many people regarding psychological struggles as a sign of weakness. But even when therapy was considered, it was often in secret. There was little understanding of the importance of addressing mental health issues openly, and this affected generations of families—including mine.

How do you process grief? "By running from it until it finds me in the middle of a sunny street on a beautiful day." With all the beautiful things life has in the store with us, come the painful bits. One day, in one way or another, the absoluteness of death is something we must face.

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and paying closer attention to our own mental well-being and that of those around us. This month is about shifting public perception, spreading hope, and sharing vital information with those affected by suicide. It’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background.

Video games didn’t just mean a fun hobby to kill time, now they meant connection. Rather than having experiences in real life, I was having virtual experiences to keep my friendships alive. The hours we spent playing Among Us didn’t value less than the hours we spent sitting around at the campus.

As far back as Aristotle’s time, people understood the importance of community. He famously said that “humans are social animals”, meaning that people naturally wired to form relationships and live in groups. It’s not just about survival –strong social bonds help us thrive, find happiness, and reach our full potential. Even today, in our modern world, social connections are just as essential. In fact, our brains are built to expect interactions with others.

International Youth Day was born out of a resolution adopted at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998. The United Nations General Assembly later endorsed this recommendation, officially proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day in December 1999. Since then, this day has become an annual opportunity for governments, youth organizations, and communities to come together and address the pressing issues facing young people worldwide.